Journal of Medical Case Reports (Aug 2012)

Anemia secondary to valproic acid therapy in a 13-year-old boy: a case report

  • Kaczorowska-Hac Barbara,
  • Matheisel Agnieszka,
  • Maciejka-Kapuscinska Lucyna,
  • Wisniewski Jakub,
  • Alska Anna,
  • Adamkiewicz-Drozynska Elzbieta,
  • Balcerska Anna,
  • Reszczynska Iwona

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-6-239
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
p. 239

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Introduction Valproic acid is a commonly used anti-epileptic drug. Hematological toxicities are among the occasionally observed adverse effects of this medication. Case presentation We present the case of a 13-year-old Caucasian boy who demonstrated mild anemia 12 months after the introduction of valproic acid therapy. A bone marrow biopsy revealed maturation arrest of proerythroblasts. Conclusion Prompt diagnosis and valproic acid discontinuation resulted in the patient’s recovery.

Keywords